
South Africa faces rising wildfire risk: What landowners must know
South Africa is heading into another fire season after a devastating year in which wildfires tore through more than 3.4m hectares of land – an area larger than the Kruger National Park.
Read more: Shacks burn as large fire breaks out in Kew
The Human Sciences Research Council's recent Spatial Insights report found that the worst-hit areas were in the north: Limpopo, Mpumalanga, parts of Gauteng, and the North Eastern Free State. These regions are especially vulnerable due to dry vegetation, strong winds, and unmanaged land.
Whether you own a farm, a smallholding, or a residential plot, you are legally required to help prevent veld fires. The National Veld and Forest Fire Act (NVFFA) says you must take reasonable steps to stop fires from starting or spreading. That includes keeping your land in good condition and having proper firebreaks.
If a fire starts on your property and spreads, you could be held responsible, especially if it causes damage or injury.
Also read: Fire blazes in Joburg CBD
What you can do
Here are some simple ways to protect your property and community:
Create firebreaks: Clear strips of land along your boundary can slow fires. You'll need a permit if you plan to burn them.
Clean up: Remove dead branches, dry grass, and rubbish that could catch fire easily.
Be careful: Never leave a fire unattended or toss burning items like cigarettes. It's illegal – and dangerous.
Educate your household: Everyone on your property should know how to report a fire and use basic equipment safely.
Stay alert: Join your local fire protection association to get early warnings via SMS or WhatsApp.
Check your equipment: Fire extinguishers, hoses, and pumps should be ready and in working order. Local suppliers like SafeQuip stock reliable firefighting gear.
Fire season is unpredictable, but with the right steps, you can help protect your home and community.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
Related article: Emergency Services and City Power remain on alert after underground fire in Braamfontein
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
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IOL News
23-07-2025
- IOL News
Building for tomorrow: addressing climate change in South Africa's construction landscape
Climate change impacts vulnerable areas like townships as poor infrastructure turns delays into costly, sometimes indefinite setbacks. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has warned that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. On Tuesday afternoon, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning for Disruptive rainfall resulting in localised flooding of susceptible formal/ informal settlements or roads, low-lying areas and/or bridges, slippery roads leading to minor vehicle accidents, and difficulty driving conditions on dirt roads along the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal. In construction alone, adverse weather delays are said to delay 45% of construction projects globally, costing billions each year, according to Research Gate. In South Africa, the industry faces mounting pressure to adapt, not just through resilient materials and design, but smarter labour practices. 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"It includes provisions that allow contractors to temporarily lay off workers when weather or material delays make it impossible to continue safely. This gives both parties a framework to manage disruptions without dismantling the entire project team." Some regions and project types are said to be more exposed than others. Low-lying coastal developments are vulnerable to rising sea levels and flooding, while inland projects are often constrained by water and energy shortages. Sites in areas lacking proper drainage or stormwater management infrastructure were said to be particularly prone to disruption. Hattingh said the consequences of failing to adapt are severe. "If the industry doesn't embrace climate-resilient practices, we'll see more failed projects, higher insurance premiums, and growing reputational and regulatory risk. Clients and investors are already scrutinising construction firms through an environmental lens." 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ According to the council, technology is also playing a role, helping construction happen quicker and in smarter ways and not just with the building itself but throughout the whole process. It said modular and prefabricated structures reduce waste and allow for rapid reconstruction after extreme events. 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The Citizen
20-05-2025
- The Citizen
South Africa faces rising wildfire risk: What landowners must know
South Africa faces rising wildfire risk: What landowners must know South Africa is heading into another fire season after a devastating year in which wildfires tore through more than 3.4m hectares of land – an area larger than the Kruger National Park. Read more: Shacks burn as large fire breaks out in Kew The Human Sciences Research Council's recent Spatial Insights report found that the worst-hit areas were in the north: Limpopo, Mpumalanga, parts of Gauteng, and the North Eastern Free State. These regions are especially vulnerable due to dry vegetation, strong winds, and unmanaged land. Whether you own a farm, a smallholding, or a residential plot, you are legally required to help prevent veld fires. The National Veld and Forest Fire Act (NVFFA) says you must take reasonable steps to stop fires from starting or spreading. That includes keeping your land in good condition and having proper firebreaks. If a fire starts on your property and spreads, you could be held responsible, especially if it causes damage or injury. Also read: Fire blazes in Joburg CBD What you can do Here are some simple ways to protect your property and community: Create firebreaks: Clear strips of land along your boundary can slow fires. You'll need a permit if you plan to burn them. Clean up: Remove dead branches, dry grass, and rubbish that could catch fire easily. Be careful: Never leave a fire unattended or toss burning items like cigarettes. It's illegal – and dangerous. Educate your household: Everyone on your property should know how to report a fire and use basic equipment safely. Stay alert: Join your local fire protection association to get early warnings via SMS or WhatsApp. Check your equipment: Fire extinguishers, hoses, and pumps should be ready and in working order. Local suppliers like SafeQuip stock reliable firefighting gear. Fire season is unpredictable, but with the right steps, you can help protect your home and community. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Emergency Services and City Power remain on alert after underground fire in Braamfontein At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!